Dull Pain is Never Seen/re-construction

Ugh, I swear. Where in the world did he go?

And just when I wanted to ask him about this mark on my hand getting hot all of a sudden, too.

(I mean, I'm sure it's not a big deal. He didn't act like he never wanted to see me again or anything.)

(But, if he got pissed off and left because he thought I said something mental or whatever...)

(...that's just going to be even more depressing.)

(Then again...maybe I really did say something like that earlier. And if I did, who could blame him for leaving?)

(Sigh)...

Prime AI.

Wah! ...Y-yes?

It's time for our regular replenishment.

Okay. Go ahead then.

I'm not sure why what I'm about to say feels like admitting defeat...

...but since this approach clearly yields greater efficiency and increased motivation, it's completely logical to pursue it.

Yes. Completely logical.

What I'm trying to say is, are there any more of those new materials around? The ones Lancer calls "cooking"?

Aren't you guys always saying you don't need any fancy tricks? That a stable energy supply is all that matters?

That's what we thought, yes. That is, we still do.

But now that we've experienced the unidentified buffs that came from that cooking...

...we would prefer to have it again if it's an option. I would stress that this is a completely logical conclusion.

(So maybe this is what they mean when they talk about having a discriminating palate?)

Prime AI, you're the Master of Lancer, who is capable of this cooking.

So we were wondering if you might have gained a similar ability yourself.

M-me? I-I don't

(Hopeful staring)

...Fine, I'll give it a shot. But don't get your hopes up.

There. But all I did was throw the materials together and convert them, so I don't know if it actually tastes good or not.

Oooh.

I think this is a new and different kind of cooking. Could you tell us the name so we can add it to our database?

Um... I think it's called "ratatouille"? I'm not sure, though.

Registration complete. All right, time to resupply.

Wait. You, add a dash of this powder. And you, add two dashes of this one.

Understood. We'll do that.

...Hmm, I see. This is

Wait! Don't say anything about it!

I know it's terrible compared to his cooking!

This is just a stopgap.

Something I threw together as a diversion because you guys were starving for whatever cooking you could get.

So please don't pay how it tastes any mind.

Why not? Seems perfectly decent to me. (Munch, munch)

Wah!

L-Lancer!? When did you get back!?

Just now. And the first thing I noticed was that something smelled tasty.

You're a pretty good cook yourself, Master.

Look, forget about being nice. Just tell me what you really think.

Already did; it's perfectly decent. Really, it's not bad at all.

Compared to your cooking, "decent" might as well be "worthless."

I wouldn't say that at all.

I agree. Since you ordered us to be honest, we'll give our response numerically.

Your cooking scores a passing grade of two hundred and thirty-one points in total. Congratulations.

I'm...not sure what to say to that, since I have no idea what the top or average scores are...

That aside, Master, I should've known you'd be able to cook too if you set your mind to it.

That's honestly what's most surprising to me.

Well...I am technically the prime AI of Keep, apparently. And I saw the way you converted and processed those other materials, so...

...I figured I could at least make something with them.

Most of all, these AIs really wanted to replenish their energy via cooking.

So, on a whim, I thought it'd be better to try making something... Ugh.

If I'd known you were going to come back, I'd never have made anything so...slapdash.

Replenishment complete. Thank you for the delicious meal.

I can confirm that our new Tastiness Satisfaction stat has gone up. It may not have reached a new max level, but it is definitely enough to satisfy us.

We were going to begin a detailed analysis comparing all the ways your cooking compares to Lancer's...

...but after seeing the way you're glaring at us, we've decided it's not worth the risk.

So you cooked for them 'cause they asked you to, and they were mostly happy with what you made 'em.

Sounds about right to me.

Is this kind of thing normal with cooking?

Completely normal.

By the way, how come you had them each add different kinds of powder to their food?

You saw that, too? I was only making a few adjustments.

I mean, it just makes sense that a girl with leg fatigue and a girl with arm fatigue would need different tweaks to optimize their condition, right?

I couldn't do much to improve the flavor, but I figured I could at least do that.

(Huh. Her lack of confidence aside, she really pays attention to her teammates, doesn't she?)

(Maybe her habit of keeping a diary allows her to have observational skills?)

What're you smiling about?

Oh, nothing. Honestly, I was just thinking about how I misjudged you.

Are you mocking me?

I'm being completely serious.

...Hey, there's still some food left over.

This is perfect. That little taste I had earlier wasn't nearly enough, so I think I'll polish the rest off. Down the hatch!

WhaHey. That cooking's not nearly as good as yours, right? So why would you

Who cares about that? You took the trouble to make it. Besides, you don't turn down food someone else made for you.

Oho. I've never seen this kind of vegetable before.

So that's what it tastes like. Is this the kind of veggie you prefer, Master? Hmm, it's a good flavor profile, too. I could gladly eat this all day.

...Never mind that.

Where did you go, anyway? What have you been doing all this time?

Oh, that? I just went to kill the Caster's Master.

...Huh?

Wait. You're serious?

Of course. I killed him myself. It was surprisingly easy. I don't know for sure what became of Caster, though.

...You're not the kidding type. So, you really are serious?

Then, um... Let me double-check the rules...

Battle results: should an AI Master die before their Servant...

...the victorious Master is permitted to access the defeated Master's AI core.

This, in turn, awards that prime AI's admin privileges and any remaining Command Spells to the victor...

...So, um, did you bring back his core then?

Hm? Honestly, I have no idea!

(Sigh) Right. Of course you don't.

(I wonder what's going to happen now. Did we break one of the rules? What will the overseer say about this?)

(Or maybe things are set up to happen automatically? I just don't know.)

Something on your mind? Your brow's more furrowed than usual.

Maybe some of your food'll cheer you up?

Absolutely not. That's the last thing I need.

Hahaha! Fine with me. I know I'm the one who suggested it, but I don't think my pride could take it if you liked your own cooking more than mine.

All right, now that I know more about your preferences, I'm gonna try coming up with another new dish!

And now that I've taken care of your regrets with my prep work, I'm sure I can make something that'll really speak to you this time!

(Regrets... I wonder. All this guilt and uncertainty I have inside me...)

(Is it even possible to make it go away...?)

Okay, let's just cover this up, and... done! All you have to do now is take it easy for a while!

Thank you. It's not much, but please accept this as a token of my gratitude.

Are you sure? I wouldn't have minded waiting until you were all better, but thanks!

Next!

It's okay! You don't have to come to me! Just lie down right there!

I'm going to have to take your consciousness offline for a bit to work on you. Don't worry, though! Everything will be just fine. Okay, here we go...

...Phew.

？！

Taking a short break? Good idea. In the long run, that will definitely improve your operational efficiency.

You should let the Type Rs who came to help handle things here for a while.

Thanks, everyone. You've been a big help, too.

I thought we were doing so well, but...

...I guess it's no surprise such a huge monster did so much damage... (Sigh)

Hey, at least it's better than if we hadn't done anything, right?

I agree. We were clearly able to substantially reduce the amount of harm done.

Otherwise, it is quite possible there would be no injured AIs to treat at all.

I know, but...even so...

...I still feel terrible that this happened.

I know it's Repair's duty to fix anyone who's damaged, and I'm completely fine with that...

...but it doesn't mean I want anyone to get hurt.

...You know, I was thinking. Family is supposed to be the people who are most important to you, right?

And building a family means adding more important people to your life, right?

？！

Whenever I imagine those people getting hurt like that...it makes my stomach get kind of tight and twisty.

So, if I get my wish granted, and everyone becomes part of a family...

...then this terrible feeling I'm experiencing now might get even worse if they got hurt.

Hehehe, so you get it now? That's right. Love and pain are two sides of the same coin.

Hehe, but, there's only so much you can do to prevent that.

Love and pain are two sides of the same coin. You can't change that, no matter how much you might want to.

？！

We form connections out of love, and it's because of those connections that we feel others' pain as our own.

It is a simple, immutable truth of life: love hurts.

So...what are you going to do now? Give up on your dream of making a big, happy family?

No. I don't want to do that. Not at all.

Even if families aren't all positives...maybe more so, knowing that.

I know I'll need to be ready to deal with pain. I know I'll need to learn to accept that there may be hardships.

But even so...I still feel as though I have to find people I can call family.

I see.

...Okay, that's enough resting! Time to get back to work!

We have barely had any time to catch our breath...

...so that we were able to take a break at all would indicate that the quantity of AIs approaching us for help is decreasing.

Maybe it is time to conclude our rescue efforts?

No, not yet. I'm sure there are plenty of other girls out there who still need repairs.

Although, that said...I guess there may not be as many proactively contacting Repair anymore.

How does that square with what you just said?

AIs are fundamentally programmed to reward help from other AIs using Raniment.

So I doubt injured ones without much Raniment to spare would actively seek us out.

Even if they happen to see someone from Repair, they probably feel as though they can't ask us for help.

I mean, it's not impossible for them to approach us, but they'd need to go through a bunch of red tape first.

That's why we need to go out and approach them ourselves. It'll be a hassle, but it's the only way we

Don't be stupid. This is no time to just go traipsing about.

Berserker! Where've you been all this time?

I had my own things I needed to take care of.

You say we need to focus on treating those who have Raniment and put everyone else off till later?

That's no way to run a country. We have to do something to fix it.

Which is why I made these AI-specific contract chips!

It's a compressed file containing a mutually binding contract program that allows the deferral of Raniment payments.

All we have to do now is hand these out to the injured AIs so they can all get a copy.

That way, even those without a single Raniment to spare can get the treatment they need immediately.

How did you come up with an incredible idea like that, Berserker!? Did you hit your head or something!?

Ridiculous! Any upstanding noble would do the same!

Aren't I always telling you what a savvy, intelligent general I am?

I finally got a chance to prove it, that's all. No need to fawn all over me for it. Hahaha!

At any rate, this'll help us treat a lot of AIs more quickly.

I'll pass these around to the Repair girls and make sure they get into the hands that need them!

Looks like we're going to have our work cut out for us again! I can't wait!

Hey, General, sorry to interrupt you while you're patting yourself on the back, but

It says on the back of these chips that deferred Raniment payments are 1.4 times the standard rate, including interest.

Were you aware of this?

... ...

Whaaat!? How'd that get there!?

？！

So you snuck in an exploitative contract to take advantage of AIs in need? You are quite the ruthless money-grubber.

The fact that this increased rate is just barely reasonable only makes it worse.

You're just an utter slimeball, aren't you? Is your head all Duryodhana or something?

Still, I will say it's nice to meet someone who's already got one foot in the door of hopeless depravity.

Wait a second. Did you just use my name as an insult?

(Sigh) This was a very stupid decision on your part.

Wh-what's wrong with it!? There's a difference between equality and impartiality!

If you do special things, you have a right to special compensation!

That is not what I mean.

Āyus may not have noticed your little stipulation earlier...

...but she is a prime AI and so is bound to catch on soon.

Once she has, it will be easy for her to overwrite those changes.

So, the reason I said your decision was so stupid...

...is that you clearly did not think of how she would react to trying to take advantage of the injured like this.

BERSERKER!!! WHAT IS THE MEANING OF THIS!?

Hmm...

Lucky for me, she's so busy there's no way she's going to set everything else aside just to punish me.

On which note...I'm outta here!

Just tell her something about how I was so concerned about her working too hard...

...that I let my kind and honest desire to make sure she was fairly compensated get the better of me. Got that!?

Ugh, what a scumbag. He really is just as bad as I heard.

You think? I kinda like him. He's very human. Seems like it'd be easy to push him into depravity.

Yes, that is true. He is very easy to read in that sense.

That particular value judgment is beyond the scope of my consideration...

...but, I cannot deny he possesses a kind of psychological affinity. Maybe it is a type of charisma.

？！

？！

(Huff, huff...)

Oh. My favorite sash is getting torn...

Is it all the running? Or maybe the battles I've been fighting? Ugh, dammit.

I'll need Raniment to weave a replacement, too. Well, I guess I'll just fold it and cover it up for noHm?

Hey, you there.

...?

Looking like you might collapse at any moment... What an eyesore. And I don't like how loosely your arm is hanging, either.

Is it broken? Ugh, I don't want to see that.

...Hmph. Here, take this sash. Use it to make a sling for your arm, then go see Repair and give them this chip.

Eh? You're worried about Raniment?

Of course, I didn't expect to make any profit off a dirt-poor thing like you. That's what the chip's for.

Now go on, get out of here already. I'm a busy man, you know.

Eh, I guess the contract might be rewritten, but at least the standard Raniment amount is better than nothing.

Besides...

...I was just thinking it was time to get rid of that old sash and look for a new one.

？！

Those must be Build's Type B AIs. So that is how they are going to rebuild the city.

If they are finished healing AIs and have moved on to repairing buildings...

...maybe it is time to dismantle the field hospital.

Negative. I believe we will still require its presence for some time.

Would you care to explain what you mean by that, DX?

？！

Answer: to preserve the status quo for active Type Ds.

We must be able to protect the wounded in the event a standard threat appears in the area...

...but we do not currently have enough Type Ds to do so, as many of them are currently injured.

But if AIs requiring protection continue to gather in one place, then we can keep them safe with minimum personneExcuse me.

I have been informed via intertype comms that a group of standard threatsbugs, has appeared nearby. Given our present personnel shortage, this unit must deal with them.

I know that look. You want us to go and help her too, right? I have no objections.

？！

...Thank you.

Well, there's nothing much for us to do here with Āyus and the other Type Rs handling everything anyway, so fine.

By the way, what were YOU doing while that monster was wrecking everything?

I figured we'd see the head of security at least once or twice in all that.

Report: I was guarding the central governing AI in front of the church. It was a special high-priority mission.

Hmm, is that so? Well, I guess that makes sense.

The higher up someone is, the more they want to make sure they stay safe, everyone else be damned.

Negative. I was not acting on the governor's request. It was simply my role in this system.

Yeah, yeah, we got it. You sure are a dedicated doll, aren't you? Anyway, let's get going.

Malicious data detected. Initiating disposal, with help from collaborators.

Preparing for situation...

Situation resolved.

Well, that was easy. You sure you needed our help for this?

？！

Apologies. I have just received reports of another threat spawning near Grow.

This unit must go deal with the new situation, but, if you do not mind...

We will accompany you. We have already come this far.

Once again, thank you. This way, please.

Hang on. Where're you guys going?

？！

Well, no, not completely.

But I've been thinking about it, and I realized there are probably more damaged AIs in other places, too.

Some of them probably ran towards Grow, so I thought I should check around there too to be sure.

Then your timing is perfect. We were just about to head to Grow to exterminate some pests.

That's great! We'll come along too then!

There really is nothing better than an honest day's work. So no more weird contracts, got it!?

Yeah, yeah, you don't have to tell me again. I'm too worn out to even argue.

？！

Okay, this spot should work. Come on, we're getting off.

Yes, Master.

Now, which way is it? Let's check the coordinates... A little farther in that direction.

Here we go. Okay, first, plant this here...

... ...

Master.

Yup, I'm aware.

I see. Then I await your orders.

(So he won't even move to fight things like that on his own, huh? Is he just slacking off? ...No, it's not that.)

That's not a bug. It must be one of the shadows we've been hearing about.

Either way, I don't really want to handle it on my own. Get rid of it, Rider.

...As you wish.

(Is it just me, or is he doing his best to strike a perfect balance between standing out and blending in?)

Now I see. I'm starting to get an idea of what's going on here.

I'm sure these things really are spawning randomly, but of course, there has to be a reason for it.

The question is, what is it?

Let's try adding in the coordinate system elements I was already researching...

Hmm. They might just fit together better than I thought.

But I still need a lot more information to be certain.

Okay, we're done here. Take me to the next point.

Yes, Master.

... ...

Hehehe, you'll probably never ask unless I say something, so I'll just go ahead and tell you. You want to know what I'm doing, right?

As you can see, I'm making a map. Well, I guess it's more that I'm making something like a map.

All right, go ahead. You may ask any questions you like about what I just told you; you have my permission.

A map, hm?

You are a prime AI. Do you not have a map of this world already installed within your memory?

Good question. Oh, right. You don't like that sort of praise, do you?

Then I'll just say it's a normal question. It makes sense you'd be wondering about that.

... ...

The answer is simple: as you can see, this map is meaningless.

But that's also exactly what's important about it.

I'm looking at functionality, not lay of the land.

Why is this world shaped the way it is? What is the significance of that shape?

No mere blade like myself need be concerned with such questions.

Well, don't YOU sound happy about that?

Anyway, I think I'm close to figuring something out after matching my findings to that shadow.

I don't know whether it'll rain on that day or not, but I've got the fireworks I plan on launching all ready to go...

...so I should be able to move around more freely from now on.

And a horse is a better vantage for observation on the go than a motorcycle.

I'm glad you use a horse, Rider. I'll be counting on you to keep giving me lifts.

As you wish.

Speaking personally, nothing would make me happier than to be treated merely as a loyal vehicle.

You really are a strange guy, aren't you? Not that I mind; you're a very helpful assistant.

That is who I am.

Here. More reinforcement materials for the construction.

Thank you.

Much appreciated.

You don't have to thank me. I'm just following Sakmy prime AI's orders.

...Report: that concludes your exam results.

There should be no issue with going about your usual activities, but taking your Master status into consideration...

...I think you'll need to do something about this soon.

I recommend discussing this matter with Repair's prime AI.

Would you like me to request a consultation on our intertype comms?

Oh, no, that's okay. You don't need to go that far just for me.

Why not?

That's...kind of difficult to say.

I know myself well enough to say...

...I'm not sure this is the kind of problem that can be fixed by talking with her.

...That is true.

It's possible that this issue is beyond our ability to repair.

That's arguably how it reached this point.

Right? And that means I'd just be adding to her worries for nothing.

I don't want to do that to the one who saved my life.

And besides...hehe, there's another, much less complicated reason.

A part of me wants to keep trying, even if it means I end up disqualified.

I guess you could say that's my egotistic side at work.

... ...

So please, don't say anything about this to Āyus...or to Saber.

Of course. Every Type R swears an oath to keep our patients' privacy.

I'm back. ...What did your test results say?

Fine. She said I should have no issues with my daily life at all.

Right?

Yes, that's correct. ...At least in regards to your daily life.

Glad to hear it.

Anyway, I'm done helping Build. Is there anything else you want me to do?

Hmm... I think that was the last urgent task for the time being.

Thanks, Saber.

You don't have to thank me. It's my job to do what you tell me. That's all.

Even so, I'm still genuinely grateful.

If you hadn't fought for us, we would never have been able to return to Grow.

I know there aren't as many of us as there were before, and our facilities were a little damaged...

...but the important thing is, I can still live here with all the other Type Gs again.

I'll be able to keep sowing seeds for a long time to come. That just makes me so happy.

(Sakura...you've got it all wrong.)

(The only reason this place was destroyedthis place you value more than anythingwas because of the Holy Grail War.)

(You almost lost all that for good because of Servants like me. Don't forget that.)

(Hell, it's partly my fault this happened. You shouldn't thank me for solving a problem I created.)

(Why are you so)

... ...

Oh, right! I wanted to do something to thank you properly once we were back on our feet.

Would you join me for a little bit, Saber?

Like I said, you really don't need to thank me.

...But, I'm in no position to refuse, so I'll go wherever you want.

This is it. Hehehe, what kind of place do you think it is?

It's a hill. This side has a good view. It'll be easy to see an enemy approaching from up here.

Though that also means we'll need to take extra precautions against snipers.

The tree line there obscures visibility. So, on this side, we'll need to

Oh, Saber.

Still, you're right about the view.

I think this is the most picturesque spot in all Grow. It's my favorite little secret spot.

There's always a great breeze blowing up here, so I was hoping you would like it, too...

... ...

True. I don't hate it.

R-right? I'm glad to hear that. Oh, you can sit down over here if you want.

The materials growing from this tree make a great roof. It's almost like a gazebo, don't you think?

Come on. Let's go relax there.

...You know all about the outside world, right, Saber? I mean, of course you do.

I'm sorry. I just realized this empty scenery must pale in comparison. I mean, it's all artificial, right?

You've only just realized that? I doubt there's anywhere in this world that isn't artificial.

And besides...

... ...

...I think the island I used to live on was quite empty, too. By comparison, this place might not be so bad.

R-really?

I think so. Though I'm not sure, since I don't remember it very well.

I'd love to hear more about it. We've never had a chance to talk about this kind of thing before.

I just told you, I don't remember it well.

The only thing I really remember...is my sisters.

That's fine with me! I'd love to hear about them, too!

Why are you so obsessed with my past? Knowing it won't change anything.

Yeah, that's true. I guess I was a little overexcited earlier. Even I'm not sure why, though. Hmm...

Maybe it's because you're the first being I met who's just like me.

And when two people are about the same age, the same gender, and in similar positions...

...this is the kind of thing they usually talk about, right?

... ...

We can't escape the fact that we're AIs.

At their core, our conversations are just a functionality we perform because it's necessary.

The Type Gs and other AIs are all great, of course, but they're also programmed to do whatever I say.

But you and I are on equal footing.

So, maybe it's that you're the first being I've ever met who I didn't immediately understand.

And that's probably why I want to talk and learn about things like this, even if they don't matter.

You do recall that I am not an AI myself, right?

R-right, of course. I'm sorry. Maybe I'm not making any sense.

(She sat down... Then, does that mean)

So you really don't care what we talk about as long as we talk?

N-nope! I mean, I really am curious to hear more about your sisters, but yes, I'm happy to talk about anything!

I need to be careful with what I say about my sisters. Otherwise, I could end up cursed.

R-really?

Not sure.

Okay then, what about your homeland?

Well...okay. I don't think it'll be very interesting, though.

... ...

So what's inside that case, anyway? I've been wondering about it since we got here.

Huh? Oh, right. I was having so much fun I completely forgot.

These are...what were they called again? Oh, right. Lunch boxes! These are lunch boxes!

I saw in the database that when you go somewhere with a nice view, have a nice talk, and eat a nice lunch from a lunch box...

...it's called a picnic, and it's supposed to be lots of fun.

I wanted to give you one as a present...

...but I got so caught up in our conversation, I forgot all about it!

Here. This lunch is made up of more processed materials we got from Keep.

I did my best to arrange them into something similar to what I think people call "sandwiches."

I made lots, so let's eat them together!

...Well, in for a penny, in for a pound, I guess.

A penny? You don't eat those, do you?

It's just an expression. Don't worry about it.

...They look good.

...Do you hear that? Is someone fighting nearby?

It doesn't sound good, that's for sure. Come on, let's go take a look!

？！

The Berserker and Assassin camps. ...And the head of Defend.

Sorry, I'm in the middle of a mission. This has nothing to do with the Holy Grail War.

So you're taking care of bugs, huh? We'll help, too.

Don't worry. Getting rid of pests is all part of running a farm.

Hup! ...Okay, let's do this!

(Phew. I did it...)

(Maybe that means I didn't need to worry after all.)

Thank you for your assistance.

Not at all. Like I said, pest removal is a regular part of keeping fields.

I couldn't just stand back and let someone else handle it.

If I can help, of course I will!

Um, that said, I guess I do usually ask Defend for help whenever especially big pests show up...

My point is, we were in the area, so pitching in was no big deal!

Anyway, I see you guys were all helping out, too.

...I'm sorry I left without thanking you properly after Caster's monster disappeared.

I just had to come back and see what became of Grow as soon as I could.

？！

This place is right on the outskirts of Grow, isn't it?

It must be a lot of work to manage so much land all on your own.

Oh, I wasn't actually here for work today.

My favorite spot to rest isn't far from here.

Um, if you'd like, you're all welcome to rest up there.

You should be able to relax and replenish your Raniment there, and I even have lunch boxes.

Don't worry, I made plenty to go around!

What do you think? I'm fine either way, personally.

I don't care whether the Raniment's coming from that Type D or food from Keep.

If I do some work, I just want a reward right away, before I forget!

We still have work to do, so I will not be able to join you.

However, it looks like there are only a few small stragglers left, so the rest of you are free to relax.

I will give you some Raniment now too, to thank you for all your help.

？！

Um, I'm sorry, Saber.

I felt like I needed to do something to thank them too, so before I knew it...

Why are you apologizing?

I think getting too friendly with them isn't the best idea, but you've already made your decision. It's fine.

I am just a Servant, in the end...

Come on, don't be stingy! Give me some more sandwiches!

Knock it off. Have you no sense of restraint?

Restraint? I'm both a member of royalty and the greatest warrior to ever live. Why would restraint be part of any of that?

Did you forget you're only here because Sakura was kind enough to invite you? Maybe I should kill you after all.

I-it's okay, Saber. You don't have to kill him.

(Chomp, chomp, chomp, chomp, chomp.)

Maybe you should slow down a little? You're getting crumbs all over yourself.

(Sticking out his cheek)

(Wordlessly readying her vajra)

Ugh, fine, I guess I'll have to wipe your face then. I swear, you're such a child.

？！

Well, I suppose the expression one makes when eating or sleeping has nothing to do with one's personality. I just hope no one is foolish enough to let the one fool them about the other.

(Buuurp) Okay, I'm done.

But you just said you wanted more!

I did want more, but I never said I'd eat it. Here, you can have them. In fact, have them all.

Have another helping if those aren't enough. Maybe that'll finally get you growing a little!

Oh, but don't grow any taller than that Saber there, okay? She's as big as you can get before you get into overgrown oaf territory.

That's it. He dies.

N-now, now. There's no need for that.

Sakura.

Huh?

Hey! Wait!

？！

Hmm, I don't think that has anything to do with us. I don't sense Lancer anywhere nearby, either.

... ...

What are you doing here, Cerejeira?

...Nothing.

I just wanted to ask how everything turned out.

Especially since it looks like Lancer did something behind my back.

So it was him? He killed Caster's Master?

Probably.

Anyway, I figured you were the only one who'd know how things turned out...and who I could actually talk to.

I see.

So we have you and Lancer to thank for getting rid of that monster.

Yes, thanks to you two, Grow is saved, and we're already working together to repair the damage.

Oh, we're actually having a picnicor at least, something like one, right over there.

You're welcome to join us if you wan

No thanks.

I'm...not really cut out for something as happy and friendly as a picnic. I just wouldn't fit in.

Well, I'd love it if you joined us. In fact, that sort of thing is my wish.

Well, not mine.

What is your wish then, Cerejeira?

There's no point in telling you, but, I guess it can't hurt.

I don't know much about it myself, and there's nothing I can do about it, anyway.

I have this constant feeling of guilt in my chest all the time. My wish is to make it go away.

Everything I do now just makes it worse.

So I don't want to be happy. I don't want to taste good food.

I don't even want to win.

All I really want...is for someone to kill me. Or maybe...punish me.

...!

...Great. I actually said it aloud. I must be broken if this is the kind of thing I'm thinking.

I'm not like you. At all.

That's why I'm hopeless.

Wai

Huh!? Are you oka

...

Sakura. I'm sorry I didn't get here in time.

No, it's fine. I guess you must have been nearby, watching over me. Thanks.

This is so embarrassing. I can't believe I tripped and fell on my face like that when I tried to run.

...Are you okay?

I'm fine. Look, this is my "full of energy" pose. Hup!

Anyway, I guess she just doesn't care for picnics. And I don't want to force her to attend, so, what can you do?

Oh, you're back. There was no need to rush. You could've taken your time.

...Something wrong? You look terrible.

I'm fine. It's nothing.

I hope you're right. So, what's the situation? Did you learn anything valuable?

Oh, yeah. It looks like you were the one who made that monstrous Caster disappear.

But aside from tha

...?

Hm?

Lancer! Are those

Whoa, whoa, what the hell's going on here? This ain't what was supposed to happen!

Stay close to me, Sakura!

I don't understand!

What are THEY doing here again!?